Overview

• Mercedes has not announced 2026 contracts for George Russell or rookie Kimi Antonelli despite repeated signals they intend to retain both.
• Toto Wolff labeled Antonelli’s Monza performance "underwhelming" and said he will sit down with the 19-year-old to address the "luggage" from recent mistakes.
• Nico Rosberg described Wolff’s new public tone as calculated pressure and pointed to lopsided head‑to‑head numbers that favor Russell.
• Rosberg suggested Russell is pushing for improved salary and fewer sponsor-day obligations, with Wolff reiterating Mercedes’ preference for 1+1 year deals.
• Calls from figures such as Guenther Steiner to consider a temporary move or swap for Antonelli with a more experienced driver are being aired as opinion rather than team plans.